Sir Paul McCartney defends wife Heather

Sir Paul McCartney has defended his wife Heather Mills, and asked her critics to leave her alone.

Since meeting Paul, Heather has been the victim of claims that she is a "gold-digger, wicked stepmother and publicity seeker", sister Fiona Mills claims.

Both Paul and Fiona posted messages on Heather's website last night in response to constant criticism aimed at the former model.

Paul wrote, "It hurts me to see her wounded by these scurrilous reports, and not have anyone to put the record straight."

He denied claims that Heather has complete control over his life, and set the record straight by saying that his children "get on great" with his wife.

Paul claimed that the most shocking accusation was that "losing a leg was perhaps the best thing that ever happened to Heather as it fed her desire for self publicity".

"Imagine losing a leg, and dealing with it as bravely as Heather has done and having to read that on top of it!" he wrote.