Lorde takes over New York park for new single launch hours after police made fans disperse

Lorde fans swarmed a park in New York City as the singer debuted her new single "What Was That" on Tuesday, 22 April.

Earlier in the day, the singer teased her appearance with a message on her fan text line reading: “Meet me in the park Tonight 7pm -xx.”

However, she later followed up on her Instagram story saying that the event had been shut down by police and park rangers.

"They’re telling me you gotta disperse, I’m so sorry," she wrote.

Lorde later showed up at Washington Square Park, standing on a platform while her new song played.

An NYPD spokesperson said: “Officers were alerted of an unscheduled event inside of the park. A sound and parks permit is required to have a concert in a New York City Park. This individual did not possess either. Organizers of the event were informed they could not perform and they left the location.”