Madonna performs in Place de la Republique in tribute to Paris attack victims

Madonna surprised Parisians with an impromptu performance as she paid tribute to the victims of the attacks in the French capital.

The 57-year-old pop star is in Paris for her Rebel Heart tour.

After her sell-out concert at the Bercy Arena on Wednesday, the singer tweeted to say she was heading over to the Place de la Republique which has been the focus of Paris rallies against terrorism.

"Im singing some songs in place de la republique. Meet me there now #Paris. #rightnow #aftershow #rebelheartour," she posted.

Videos online feature the star singing with her 10-year-old son David, accompanied by guitarist Monte Pittman, who is currently on tour with the artist.

The crowd joined in with the impromptu show, but the multi award-winner appeared to have forgotten some of the lyrics to John Lennon classic Imagine.

She also sang smash hit Like A Prayer and Ghosttown, taken from her Rebel Heart album.

Madonna told those assembled: "Everybody knows why we're here ... we just want to sing a few songs about peace, just to spread love and joy, and to pay our honour and respect to the people who died almost four weeks ago."

She added: "And to spread light ... we all need it."

After the Paris attacks, which left 130 people dead, Madonna took a moment to reflect when her Rebel Heart tour reached Stockholm.

"I need to take this moment to acknowledge the tragedy, the tragic killings, assassinations, and the senseless endings of precious life that occurred last night in Paris," she said on November 14.

Following her speech, Madonna asked for a moment of silence.