A 15‑year‑old boy’s hand was severed after a police stun grenade was thrown in the midst of a demonstration outside a high‑school in Lens, north‑east France. The prefect of Pas‑de‑Calais, François‑Xavier Lauch, described the incident as a "very serious incident" but said the teenager’s life was not in danger, as he was quickly transferred to a nearby hospital.
The clash unfolded after students gathered around the Auguste Béhal high school to protest the state of school buildings and staff levels. The protest turned violent when students hurled stones, fireworks, and mortar‑like devices at police officers. A company of riot police (CRS) was deployed in response.
A regional newspaper reports the boy’s hand was lost after he attempted to retrieve a police stun grenade that exploded when thrown. Police officials have yet to confirm the exact circumstances, but a prosecutor announced an investigation by the General Inspection of the National Police (IGPN) will be opened to "shed light" on what happened.
Outside Lens, the system of cancellation extended to about 500 schools nationwide, as students across the country mobilize over inadequate facilities and lack of teachers. Schools have switched to remote learning while support units are set up on campuses to provide counselling to students amid the growing tension.
The student protests, which began in September, have escalated into violence and widespread school closures. According to officials, police are remaining on high‑risk sites to maintain order as the situation evolves.
