A derelict pub at a gateway site into Bradford caught fire this afternoon.

The former Gallopers pub on Wakefield Road and Busfield Street went up in flames at about 1.30pm.

The incident is causing major disruption on Wakefield Road as firefighters tackle the flames.

In a tweet, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "We currently have six pumps at a fire at The Gallopers public house on Wakefield road in Bradford. The road is closed in the area heading towards Bradford."

RELATED: Plans to redevelop pub site refused by Bradford Council

Police have closed the road and the incident is causing problems on adjoining routes and several bus services have been diverted. 

A picture of the fire was posted on The Gallopers Facebook page with a caption that read: "And this is how it ends! Goodbye and thanks for coming, safe journey home."

People in the area at the time posted videos and pictures on social media of huge plumes of smoke rising above the Bowling area.

More follows.