Teenager loses hand amid French school protests clash with police

A 15‑year‑old boy in Lens, northern France, suffered a severe injury to his hand after police and students clashed during a protest over school conditions. The prefect, François‑Xavier Lauch, called it a "very serious incident" and said the boy was quickly transferred to a hospital.

According to La Voix Du Nord the teenager’s hand was severed when he grabbed a stun grenade thrown by police. No police statement has clarified the details, but a prosecutor said an investigation would be run by the IGPN to determine what happened.

The confrontation happened near Auguste Béhal high school, where a larger number of students had gathered. Protesters had been throwing stones, fireworks and mortars at officers who had been placed there early that morning.

The school has switched to distance learning for the day and set up a support unit for students and staff amid the violence.

Police officers and students confront each other during protest at Lens, France.