Police tape was strung across the entrance to Horsewater Wynd, off Hawkhill and traffic was blocked from entering the area.
The area is close to Dundee University and, according to reports, students have been told to stay within their accommodation.
Detective Chief Inspector Graham Binnie said: “I would appeal to anyone who may have been in the area and saw anything that they think might have been suspicious. I would urge anyone who has any information about this.”
A spokesman added: “Officers would like to speak to pedestrians or motorists who were in the area around that time.”
Despite the large police presence, the police control room initially told The Courier it had no record of an incident in the area.
