The man was attacked on his doorstep in Downfield on Tuesday night and sustained a cut hand in a struggle with his attacker.

The woman suffered a fractured hip and shoulder after being mugged.

The elderly male householder, who has not been named, was subjected to an unprovoked assault at the front door of his home in West School Road.

Police conducted door-to-door inquiries and scenes-of-crime officers carried out a detailed examination in a bid to track down the assailant responsible for the incident, who is described as stocky and in his mid-30s.

Only a day later in a separate incident, the female pensioner was grabbed from behind and thrown to the ground on Craigie Street. She is still being treated in Ninewells Hospital following the 4.15pm attack on Wednesday.

The cowardly robber was seen running off in the direction of Albert Street with the pensioner’s two-handled black leather handbag — containing a three-figure sum of cash — after leaving his victim lying injured on the pavement.

After making door-to-door inquiries and reviewing CCTV footage, police said they are now in the process of following up several lines of inquiry.

An extensive search of the area was also carried out to locate the stolen handbag, which police believe may hold vital clues to the assailant’s identity.

Detective Sergeant Wayne Morrison, of Tayside Police, said urged the public to come forward with any information that would help them track down the attacker.

The man is described as being between 20 and 30, around 5ft 7in and was dressed in dark clothing.Police were sent to the scenes of both crimes today to carry out further investigations.

In Craigie Street, officers visited householders in an attempt to find fresh information.

Leaflets were also handed out appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

A police spokesman said, “Enquiries are continuing. Officers will be in the area today carrying out further house-to-house inquiries. There will also be leaflet drops in the area appealing for information.”

In West School Road, a mobile CCTV van was deployed to encourage people to come forward.

The police spokesman continued, “Officers are in the area today and we will also be deploying a mobile CCTV van in the area and we would encourage anyone living in the area who might have information that could assist to approach those officers who will be happy to speak to them.”Meanwhile, in a separate incident, Tayside Police are appealing to the public for information after a 46-year-old man was assaulted and robbed in the city centre last night.

The shocked victim was approached by a male assailant, believed to be aged between 30 and 40, at around 7pm in Peter Street when he was assaulted and robbed of money.

Following the incident the attacker ran off towards the Murraygate.

The man responsible is described as of medium build, with short and spiky, sandy hair and wearing a brown jacket.

Tayside Police have appealed to anyone who was in the area at the time and who may have witnessed the incident or has any information regarding this crime to contact them as soon as possible on 0300 111 2222, see any Police Officer or contact CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.