Christchurch police are investigating after a vehicle caught fire in Halswell this morning, causing traffic delays.

A police spokeswoman told Chris Lynch Media emergency services were made aware of a vehicle in a ditch on Marshs Road at about 8.10am.

When Fire and Emergency crews arrived, the vehicle was on fire.

The police spokeswoman said the occupant/s of the vehicle fled the scene before police arrived.

A St John ambulance spokeswoman said they responded to the scene with a rapid response vehicle and an ambulance.

 Enquiries are underway to locate the occupants.

The police spokeswoman said police were still yet to determine whether the vehicle was stolen.