The Verve have apparently split up for the third time, with guitarist Nick McCabe and bassist Simon Jones reportedly no longer on speaking terms with singer Richard Ashcroft.

In April, McCabe posted a message on his MySpace account saying that "The Verve seem to be on holiday and show no sign of not being on holiday. I've been hesitant to breach Official Secrets-style policy with any missives from the, well, from any front, basically. [But] don't ask me anything about the big V."

And now a source close to the band has revealed to The Guardian that the band have gone their separate ways.

"As far as Nick and Simon are concerned the Verve no longer exists," the source said. "They think Richard was just using the reunion as a vehicle to get his solo career on track."

McCabe and Jones have now started a new group with Goldfrapp violinist Davide Rossi and drummer Mig Shillace called The Black Ships, and have already started recording their debut album.