A two-car crash is believed to be the cause of what set a van alight near Bay Park on Friday evening.

The crash involved a car and a van, and the driver of the car fled the scene.

A police media spokesperson says it happened just after 5pm.

'Police were called around 5.09pm following a two-car-crash at the roundabout on SH29 near ASB Stadium.

'One car was on fire, which was put out by the fire service. The other car left the scene.

'Police have continued to conduct enquiries to locate the other vehicle, including speaking to witnesses. Enquiries are ongoing.”

Northern Fire and Emergency New Zealand Communications shift manager Daniel Nicholson confirmed fire was in attendance.

'Fire crews attended the fire just after 5.09pm. One van was on fire, we extinguished this and left the incident in the hands of the police.”