Teenager's hand blown off during confrontation between France school protesters and police

A 15-year-old boy suffered a severe injury when his hand was blown off during a confrontation between police and student demonstrators near a school in Lens, France. The incident occurred on Monday morning, as reported by the prefect of Pas-de-Calais, François-Xavier Lauch. The student's life was not immediately in danger, and he was quickly transported to a nearby hospital.

Around 500 schools were partially or fully closed across the country due to ongoing student protests over school building conditions and staffing, which had led to clashes with police in recent days.

Reports from French media are conflicting regarding the exact circumstances of the injury. Some sources claim the boy lost his hand after handling a police stun grenade, while a regional prosecutor stated that a thorough investigation by the French police watchdog, the General Inspection of the National Police (IGPN), would be conducted to clarify the details.

The incident took place near the Auguste Béhal high school, where a larger group of students had gathered outside the school at the beginning of the morning. According to Lauch, the students had thrown various projectiles, including stones, fireworks, and mortars, at the local police officers initially present. Police intervention was authorized by the interdepartmental director of the National Police, and riot police (CRS) were deployed to maintain order in the tense situation.

In response to the events of the morning, the school announced on Monday that it would transition to distance learning to ensure the safety of the entire school community. Additionally, a listening and support unit has been established at the establishment to provide assistance and emotional support to everyone affected by the ongoing protests.