Mills met Sir Paul in 1999 through charity work and married in 2002

The Daily Mail says that court papers filed on her behalf allege that Sir Paul abused her and used illegal drugs.

Sir Paul strenuously denies the claims and will "vigorously" contest the allegations in court, his lawyers said.

The McCartneys, who have a two-year-old daughter, Beatrice, announced their separation in May.

Lady McCartney refused to comment in a pre-planned appearance on the BBC's City Hospital programme.

According to the Daily Mail, court papers relating to the divorce say that the former Beatle subjected his wife to violent attacks, including one incident in which her arm was cut with a broken wine glass.

Her law firm says she "stands by everything that has been filed at court".

Sir Paul's lawyers have also declined to respond to the report, but according to the Mail Sir Paul denies the allegations and intends to fiercely contest them in court.

The Daily Mail says its story is based on a 13-page legal document, which it says was filed in response to Sir Paul's divorce petition.

'Press intrusion'

Law firm Mischon de Reya, which represents Lady McCartney, said it would "not comment on leaked or allegedly leaked documents".

The couple wed in the Republic of Ireland in 2002

However, it added: "Lady Heather Mills McCartney stands by everything that has been filed at court on her behalf and intends to prove its truth in due course, should this be necessary.

"We would ask that the parties' privacy, during what is a difficult and emotional time, is respected."

Despite such pleas, the McCartneys' divorce has been closely followed by Britain's tabloid newspapers.

Sir Paul has posted several messages on his website discrediting "inaccurate stories" and the "malicious spreading of rumours and made-up facts" since their separation.

The McCartneys married in June 2002. They met in 1999 through Lady McCartney's work for her charity, launched after losing a leg in a motorbike accident in 1993.