Sir Paul McCartney has revealed one of his grandsons was recently mugged at knifepoint in London.
In an interview with The Times, the former Beatles singer discusses current issues like Brexit and climate change.
When the subject of knife crime was raised, Sir Paul disclosed a story about one of his older grandchildren, but did not specify where the incident took place, or who it involved.
He said: “In London, one of my grandkids, one of my older grandkids, was mugged and got his phone taken. That takes me back to my childhood when I was mugged in Liverpool, so I am able to talk to him.
“He was saying the worst thing was that he should have just thumped the guy; he came back and felt a coward. I said, ‘No, no, no, no! The guy had a knife and you don’t know, the guy might be able to use that knife.’ So it is scary these days.”
However, Sir Paul also pointed out that “each generation has their own set of dangers”, adding: “So you do your best, and hopefully come through it, and show them kindness and love and try to show them the good things in life.”
Detailing his own experience of mugging in Liverpool in his earlier years, he recalled: “When I was a kid it was four guys and they nicked my watch. I was of a similar age. I just happened to be on my own, bigger kids came along and it was the same feeling.”
Sir Paul is now married to his third wife, Nancy Shevell, and has five children from his previous marriages to Linda McCartney and Heather Mills.
His eldest daughters, photographer Mary and fashion designer Stella, also each have four children.