Teenager loses hand after stun grenade used during French school protest

In Lens, in north‑eastern France, a 15‑year‑old was left without a hand after a stun grenade fired by police exploded too close during a clash outside Auguste Béhal high school.

The prefect of Pas‑de‑Calais said the injury was not life‑threatening and that the boy was moved to hospital quickly.

The incident came amid nationwide protests where students have shut more than 500 schools over cramped classrooms, lack of teachers and a heatwave‑exacerbated environment.

Policymakers say the protest gathered more youths than usual, with stones, fireworks and other projectiles hurled at officers. The use of a stun grenade further escalated tensions.

An independent inquiry will be led by the General Inspection of the National Police to clarify the circumstances.

The school announced a shift to distance learning and set up a listening unit to support students and staff while authorities investigate.