A Biddenden motorcyclist has escaped death after an armed gang opened fire, knocking him from his bike as he tries to circumnavigate Africa in an amazing charity ride.

Spencer Conway fell foul of three heavily armed bandits as he negotiated dangerous territory between Marsabit and Isiolo in Kenya.

Writing in an e-mail to his family, Mr Conway said: "I was about 10km out of the village when three Boran Shiftas started shooting at me.

"They hit the back wheel and I came off. I quickly got back on as they were running down the hill to get me. I drove away and continued for about 20 minutes.

"I checked the bike. The left side pannier was completely ruined from the fall and back brake calibre and tyre were shot away.

"I drove on for many kilometres until I came to a village called Merille to get some help with the bike."

Audio: Spencer's dad Michael describes his son's ordeal

Mr Conway's extraordinary adventure - which started from his native village in November and will see him travel across 28 countries and cover 24,000 miles in aid of Save The Children - has already seen him fall victim to vandals in Egypt, being stopped by armed soldiers and stranded in the desert.

Continuing his account of stopping in Merille, he wrote: "They were all drunk and started fighting with each other over who was going to help - for money, of course.

"I felt very unsafe and drove away."

Mr Conway sought refuge with a Catholic mission run by a German priest, before army troops arrived.

Taken back to the village, Mr Conway says it took police two hours to take his statement before he was eventually on his way.

Since that terrifying incident, he has been victim of a pickpocket, losing his wallet and is currently in Nairobi trying to get his bike repaired before setting off again.

~ Visit Spencer's Africa Bike Adventure website >>>