One of the women sustained injuries and was taken to hospital by ambulance after being wounded by a sharp instrument during the robbery attempt.

She was allowed home after treatment.

The women, in their 20s, were approached by two men who threatened them with a weapon and tried to rob them of money as they were leaving their parked car in Balmoral Terrace.

A struggle developed and both women were injured before the men fled.

Detectives are carrying out door-to-door inquiries at the scene and are reviewing CCTV footage in the area while forensics officers are combing the area around the flats.

Detective Inspector Ewen West appealed to anyone in the area at the time or who may have witnessed or heard anything to come forward.

“This was a particularly serious incident upon two innocent young women, one of whom sustained serious injuries,” he said.

“The consequences could have been far more serious.”

One attacker was 5ft 4ins, aged mid to late 20s, of stocky build, with a hooked nose, wearing a bomber-style jacket, dark jeans and dark woolen hat.

His accomplice is 6ft, mid to late 20s, medium built, with short ginger hair, a spotty complexion and a protruding chin, wearing grey or combat trousers and a red and grey baggy hockey-style top.

DI West added, “The two suspects were last seen running off in the direction of Balmoral Avenue.

“They didn’t get away with anything.

“Anyone who has heard who might be responsible or has any ideas to that effect from the descriptions of the assailants should also get in touch with us, by calling 01382 223200, or by speaking to any officer or Crimestoppers.”