The Natural History Museum is investigating how the word “Israel” was manually erased with what appears to be a red marker pen on the caption on one of its displays.

The exhibit is a reconstruction of a child’s face, and relates to the discovery of human remains in the Qafzeh Cave in Israel. But though the name of the cave is there, the word Israel has been vandalised.

In a statement, the NHM said: “We have only just been made aware of this upsetting defacement and will be taking steps to rectify this as soon as possible”. A spokesman said that an investigation was underway to see if the museum could identify the dauber.

Danny Stone, chief executive of the Antisemitism Policy Trust, wrote on Twitter: “Imagine being so totally obsessed with, and so hateful of Israel that you would go to the lengths of vandalising a piece of historical, factual, educational material to sate your own political infatuation.I hope [the museum} will act quickly to address this — but am sorry it has to”.

Imagine being so totally obsessed with, and so hateful of Israel that you would go to the lengths of vandalising a piece of historical, factual, educational material to sate your own political infatuation.I hope @NHM_London will act quickly to address this but am sorry it has to. pic.twitter.com/kkhPasErDp

— Danny Stone (@DannyStone1) December 8, 2021