JASON Kenny has hit out at a van driver who he says nearly killed him and his young son while out on a bike ride.

The Farnworth-born cyclist took to Twitter yesterday to tell his followers he had been cycling along quiet country lanes with his 18-month-old son before the near-miss happened.

Kenny said the van driver then tried to blame him for the incident.

The tweet read: "On a nice Sunday afternoon I go for a ride with our 18 months old son on quiet country lanes only to be almost run over by a van driver who drove at us, then proceeded to angrily inform me it was my fault we nearly died.

"In his dense skull he believes he has right of way so he’s willing to kill someone? What’s wrong with people?! Seriously do we think that little of cyclists in this country? It’s embarrassing, I’m ashamed to breath the same air as this man."

Responding to the six-time Olympic gold medallist, Twitter user Karen Evans said: "Hope you’re both okay! Disgusting attitude unfortunately a lot of people have this mentality towards cyclists!"

Matt Stephens also expressed his sympathy, adding: "It’s shocking. Hope you’re both ok. Having seen the attitude in the Netherlands we’re such a long way behind."

Kenny, who is a former pupil at Mount St Joseph School, become a father for the first time in August 2017.

He now lives in Cheshire with his wife Laura, who is a four time Olympic gold medallist herself.