Sir Paul McCartney reads his children's book, 'Hey Grandude!,' to school children in London. TNS

Sir Paul McCartney has pinned the blame for the coronavirus pandemic on Chinese wet markets, as he believes they risk public health.

Speaking to Howard Stern on his SiriusXM radio show, the former Beatle said: “They might as well be letting off atomic bombs because it’s affecting the whole world.”

“Whoever is responsible for this is at war with the world and itself,” said the music icon, who is a very public vegetarian and animal rights campaigner.

McCartney's criticism came after host Stern broached the subject of Chinese markets.

Although no origin for the deadly virus has been officially ascertained, some have held  China’s wet markets that sell freshly slaughtered animals responsible.

Last week, more than 200 conservation groups across the world signed an open letter calling on the World Health Organisation to force the closure of markets where wild meat is sold for consumption.

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During the show McCartney said, “I really hope that this will mean the Chinese government says, ‘Ok guys, we have really got to get super hygienic around here.’

“Let’s face it, it is a little bit medieval eating bats.”

He continued, “They don’t need all the people dying. And what’s it for? All these medieval practices. They just need to clean up their act. This may lead to it. If this doesn’t, I don’t know what will.”

McCartney also praised the community spirit that has emerged during the pandemic, saying: “A lot of people are pulling together and it is a great thing. It is inspiring.”