Teenager loses hand in clash between French school protesters and police in Lens

A 15-year-old boy's hand was blown off during clashes between student protesters and police near a school in Lens, France, on Monday, though officials say his life is not in danger. The prefect of Pas-de-Calais, François-Xavier Lauch, confirmed the "very serious incident" occurred near Auguste Béhal high school, where students threw stones, fireworks, and mortars at police before riot officers were deployed. French media reports suggest the injury may have resulted from picking up a police stun grenade, but officials have not confirmed this. An investigation has been opened by the police watchdog IGPN to determine the circumstances. The incident occurred amid nationwide student protests over school building conditions and staffing, which have led to around 500 schools being partially or fully closed and prompted the school to switch to distance learning.