The raid at Tabloids newsagents and off-licence in the Nethergate took place just after 8 am.

The assailant — described as between 30 and 40 years of age, around 5ft 8in, with a skinny face and blue eyes — walked in to the shop and threatened the shopkeeper before demanding money.

He then produced a knife and stabbed the newsagent before running out of the shop. It’s not yet clear if he managed to get away with any cash.

The shopkeeper was taken to Ninewells Hospital for examination. His condition is described as stable and his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

Drivers and pedestrians in the city rush-hour looked on as police cordoned off the area around the store and began a full forensic examination.

DI Colin Gall, who is leading the inquiry, said, “At 8.15, a shopkeeper was in the premises on his own when a male in his thirties wearing a navy hooded top and dark trousers entered the shop.

“He threatened the shopkeeper and then proceeded to attempt to get money from the till. The shopkeeper sustained a knife wound to the abdomen.”

“I’m appealing to anyone in the Queen’s Hotel and Nethergate area at around 8 am to come forward and tell us if they saw a male matching this description.”

DI Gall said a full examination of the crime scene would take place, including examination of internal and external CCTV and door-to-door enquiries.

Police revealed a man fitting the suspect’s description was seen in the pend opposite Tabloids, which runs between Tonic and the Bonar Hall, in the lead up to the raid.

They now know a bike was left outside the newsagent’s shop, and believe the robber may have made off on the bike after the attack, possibly through the University grounds.

Anyone who saw a man fitting the suspect’s description, or who has any information which could help police, should phone 0845 600 5705.