Teen loses forearm after police grenade explodes during Lens school protest

A 15-year-old boy was seriously injured on Monday, October 5, in Lens, France, during a high school protest, reportedly losing his forearm after a grenade exploded in his hand. The prefect confirmed the severity of the injuries and the teen was transferred to a Lille hospital. Witnesses said the boy was running when a projectile thrown by police landed in his hand and exploded instantly. The prefect stated a group of 150 to 200 students had been throwing objects at officers, prompting a CRS intervention, though the exact circumstances remain unclear. The Béthune prosecutor announced that the IGPN has been tasked with investigating the incident to determine the facts. The nature of the device and how the teenager came to handle it are still under investigation.