Fernando Torres scored another hat-trick as Liverpool thrashed West Ham 4-0 at Anfield to move back above Everton into fourth in the Premier League.

The Spain striker also hit the post while the marauding Steven Gerrard smashed a fourth goal into the top corner.

The first strike arrived after only eight minutes, Torres darting across his marker to meet Dirk Kuyt's cross from the right and crash the ball past Robert Green.

The West Ham goalkeeper had no chance with Torres's second on the hour as he headed home Kuyt's accurate curled ball.

Minutes later he dived to head a Gerrard cross against the post from the edge of the six-yard box. The ball ran across the goal line behind Green, who turned to claim it with relief.

However 'El Nino' was not to be denied his second hat-trick of 2008 - his first came in February against Middlesbrough - as he nicked the ball away from Lucas Neill following a John Arne Riise downward header and finished inside the far post from the left.

He left the action immediately afterwards to a standing ovation from the Anfield faithful and within seconds Gerrard ran with purpose towards the West Ham goal to complete the rout.

Torres gave forewarning of his danger a minute before opening the scoring, heading a Riise cross narrowly wide of the mark. West Ham did not pay heed however and found themselves a goal down as Matthew Upson missed the ball completely, allowing Torres to score from 20 yards.

West Ham had their moments however, most notably five minutes after that when Hayden Mullins played in Luis Boa Morte down the channel and the Portuguese rounded Pepe Reina before shooting from an angle.

The retreating Alvaro Arbeloa dived to clip the ball over the crossbar as the Kop held its breath.

Carlton Cole sprung the offside trap but Martin Skrtel, picked to play alongside Jamie Carragher at the back, recovered with speed to make the tackle.

Gerrard was at the heart of everything Liverpool cultivated going forward. His crosses from all over the pitch caused problems as he roamed freely, picking up the ball and driving the Reds on.

Neill was lucky not to be penalised for handball after misjudging a deep cross. The ball came off his upper arm, only for referee Steve Bennett to wave away the protests.

After the second goal Alan Curbishley threw on strikers Dean Ashton and Bobby Zamora. The Hammers paid the price for seeking a route back into the game.

The victory for Rafael Benitez's men leaves West Ham stranded in 10th position and no closer to the European places, while Liverpool are back on course for the Champions League qualification spots.

Jonathan Symcox / Eurosport