Ed Sheeran celebrates trial win with surprise street concert in New York

Ed Sheeran surprised fans with an impromptu performance on the streets of New York after winning his plagiarism court case.

Townsend argued there are 'striking similarities' between the two tracks and demanded money for the alleged copyright infringement.

The singer can be seen hopping on top of a car, armed with a guitar, to perform to the cheering crowds which have gathered around him.

After quietening the fans down, Sheeran says: "Guys, can I sing you one song before I go?"

The singer-songwriter then performs a rendition of 'Boat' - the opening track from album Subtract which came out yesterday (Friday, 5 May) shortly after him winning the trial.

After the jury came to the decision after three hours of deliberation, Sheeran gave a statement outside the courthouse.

The singer said: "I’m obviously very happy with the outcome of the case. It looks like I’m not having to retire from my day job after all. At the same time, I’m unbelievably frustrated that baseless claims like this are allowed to go to court at all.

"We’ve spent the last eight years talking about two songs with dramatically different lyrics, melodies and four chords, which are also different and are used by songwriters every day, all over the world.

"[...] I’m just a guy with a guitar who loves writing music for people to enjoy. I am not and will never allow myself to be a piggy bank for someone to shake. Having to be in New York for this trial has meant that I’ve missed being with my family at my grandmother’s funeral in Ireland and I will never get that time back.

"[...] We need songwriters and the wider community to come together and bring back common sense. These claims need to be stopped so the creative process can carry on and we can all go back to making music. At the same time, we absolutely need trusted individuals, real experts who help support the process of protecting copyright. Thank you."

Fans of the musician have flooded to social media in support of his win and impromptu performance in Manhattan.

One Twitter user wrote: "Best vid I've seen today."

"You have so much love out there. Good on you. Keep doing what you do best always x," another said.

A third commented: "Congrats on your lawsuit. Have fun in Dallas tomorrow and enjoy the tour."

A final resolved: "Love that he did this. So excited he won but that poor car."