POLITICIANS in the Netherlands are calling to improve safety by the canals in Amsterdam after the tragic death of Richard Cole. 

The body of Mr Cole, 30, was found in the Herengracht canal on monday night, after he went missing last week.

The Dutch Socialist Party has today announced it is calling for barriers by the canals to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Around 15 bodies are recovered from the city's canals every year, with other recent tragedies including Scottish man Chris Nelson and Norwegian tourist, Tore Grodem.

Nelly Duijndam, from the Socialist Party, told Dutch TV channel AT5 that there needs to be more awareness about the dangers of the canals.

She said a campaign could help prevent similar accidents and that the party would lobby to improve safety.

Dutch police are investigating the circumstances around Mr Cole's death.