Breaking News Paul McCartney Statement

Paul McCartney has denied his estranged wife, Heather Mills, married him for his money.The former Beatle announced yesterday (17.05.06) that the pair have seperated after four years of marriage.In a statement on his website - paulmccartney.com - the singer wrote: "By now you will have probably heard the unfortunate news that Heather and I are going our separate ways.He fumed: "It's been suggested that she married me for the money and there is not an ounce of truth in this. She is a very generous person who spends most of her time trying to help others in greater need than herself."All the work she does is unpaid so these stories are ridiculous and completely unfounded. I'm very sad to see that some insensitive people would choose a moment like this to spread these vicious rumours."The 'Love Me Do' songwriter told fans the split was a last resort - but feel it is the best way to protect their child, two-year-old Beatrice.He wrote: "Having tried exceptionally hard to make our relationship work given the daily pressures surrounding us, it is with sadness that we have decided to go our separate ways."Our parting is amicable and both of us still care about each other very much but have found it increasingly difficult to maintain a normal relationship with constant intrusion into our private lives, and we have actively tried to protect the privacy of our child."

He concluded: "We hope, for the sake of our baby daughter that we will be given some space and time to get through this difficult period."