PAUL McCartney is seeking a formal trial split from wife Heather because he believes they can no longer endure their private hell.

In recent months the couple’s always stormy four-year marriage has been punctuated by ever more explosive rows.

They were due to have crisis talks at the weekend. But Macca, 63, decided he could not face another emotionally draining bust-up.

He told one friend: “We really can’t go on like this. It’s not fair on either of us. Enough is enough.”

A source disclosed: “Paul hasn’t come to this decision lightly, but felt things couldn’t carry on as they were.

“He and Heather were getting on so badly it became impossible for them to sleep under the same roof.

“Paul is desperately hoping some time apart will give them the space to work out whether they want the relationship to continue.

“It’s terribly sad for them. We’re very concerned it’s all over. But nobody has entirely lost hope.”

Sir Paul, who insists the couple can rekindle their love, is expected to tell close family and friends of his bombshell decision today.

“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,” the couple said in a joint statement.

“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,” the statement continued.

“Separation for any couple is difficult enough, but to have to go through this so publicly, especially with a small daughter, is immensely stressful. We hope, for the sake of our baby daughter, that we will be given some space and time to get through this difficult period.”