A 15-year-old student in Lens, France, had his hand torn off after picking up a stun grenade thrown by riot police during a protest on October 5, according to prosecutors.
The incident occurred near the Auguste Béhal high school, where a demonstration of around 200 to 250 young people had gathered. The student reportedly picked up the grenade, which exploded in his left hand, and he was rushed to hospital.
Prosecutor confirms serious injury
Prosecutor of Béthune and prefect of Pas-de-Calais François-Xavier Lauch announced the incident at a press conference, saying: "Unfortunately, and I regret this, we had a high school student who was seriously injured during a demonstration. A 15-year-old student whose hand was torn off. This is a very serious matter."
Calls for restraint
French MP Benjamin Lucas has called on the Minister of the Interior to "call for restraint." Writing on X, he said: "A child had his hand torn off by a grenade. The Minister of the Interior must immediately call for restraint and prohibit the use of weapons that have nothing to do with any kind of law enforcement."
Over 400 education establishments have been closed as high school students protest over issues including funding and staff shortages. The protests have seen fires allegedly set and clashes with police, with tensions continuing to rise across France.
