A 15-year-old boy sustained a serious injury, resulting in his hand being blown off, during a confrontation involving police and demonstrators near a school in Lens, France. The incident took place on Monday morning, according to François-Xavier Lauch, the prefect of Pas-de-Calais.
Mr Lauch confirmed that the teenager's life is not in danger and he was quickly transferred to a nearby hospital. The incident occurred close to the Auguste Béhal high school.
Reports in French media vary regarding how the boy was injured. Regional newspaper La Voix Du Nord reported that the teenager lost their hand after picking up a police stun grenade. Officials have not yet provided specific details.
A regional prosecutor announced that the French police watchdog, the General Inspection of the National Police (IGPN), will conduct an investigation to clarify the circumstances of the event. The school has switched to distance learning and set up a listening and support unit.