A charity marathon runner’s day of achievement turned to horror when he was attacked by a man who broke into his car.

Just hours after James Broomfield completed Sunday’s Brighton Marathon, he found a man in his car rifling through his suitcase.

As he pulled the man out of the car in London Road car park, he was punched twice in the face and needed stitches for his injuries.

The 27-year-old was taking part in the marathon as part of his challenge to run 200 miles in a year for Cancer Research.

When he collected his car at 7.50pm he found a window had been smashed and there was someone inside. He said the “fear and terror” of the moment was “unbelievable” as he dragged the thief out through the window and
searched his pockets to see if he had taken any of his valuables.

Mr Broomfield was punched twice in the face, throwing him backwards, and the thief escaped. He made off with Mr Broomfield’s wallet, Apple Mac Book Pro, Hollister underwear, razors and wash bags.

Mr Broomfield said: “We constantly have the guy’s image in our head wonder- ing what could have happened.

“Every time I look in the mirror it reminds me of what happened that night.”

A Brighton and Hove City Council spokeswoman said the car park was awarded the park mark by the Association of Chief Police Officers but the authority could not guarantee “complete security” as access is possible on foot as well as by car.

She added: “Problems were experienced with the intercom system on Sunday, which required the shutter entry to be open, however this has now been resolved.

“Our maintenance and cleaning staff regularly patrol all our car parks but were unaware of this unfortunate incident.”

Anyone with information regarding the theft and assault by a suspect described as between 25 and 35, between 5ft 7in and 5ft 9in with short blond hair and wearing a red checked shirt and blue jeans is asked to contact police on 101, quoting serial 1303 of 6/4.

To donate to Mr Broomfield’s fundraising page visit www.justgiving.com/james2014challenge.