The drama unfolded at the Strathmartine Road branch of the Royal Bank of Scotland at around 8.20am when the robber confronted two bank staff as they approached their work.

The man threatened the manageress of the bank with a handgun, but her screams alerted a teacher who was passing by and the robber fled empty-handed. He was last seen driving off at speed in a northerly direction along Strathmartine Road past the junction with Gillburn Road and Camperdown Road.

As well as bringing the Qashqai into the frame, police also issued an updated description of the robber. He is said to be aged 40 to 49, 6ft and stocky. He was wearing a black tammy, a black coat, and was carrying a black holdall or rucksack.

Detective Inspector Ally Reid, who is leading the enquiry, said, “We now believe the vehicle this man made off in was a black Nissan Qashqai.

“Immediately prior to the robbery the Nissan was seen parked in Kingsway West and had also been seen parked directly outside the bank on Wednesday and Thursday morning. I would appeal to anyone who owns such a car to make sure they know where their vehicle was on Friday morning and also during the days leading up to the attempted robbery, and to think about who had or may currently have access to it.

“The bank is situated on a junction busy with both pedestrians and motorists, particularly at that time in the morning.

“Anyone who witnessed the incident take place, or anyone who may have seen the man or the Nissan Qashqai before or after the attempted robbery, should get in touch with us.

“Every bit of information we receive is helpful to the enquiry team. We know there were a lot of cars, buses and people walking in the area and someone may have vital information for us.”

Anyone with information should contact Tayside Police on 0845 600 5705 or call the anonymous Crime- stoppers on 0800 555111.