In brief
In north‑eastern France, a 15‑year‑old was injured when a stun grenade used by police exploded too close during a student protest outside a high school. The prefect said the boy’s life was not threatened and he was moved to hospital rapidly. The event occurred amidst nationwide clashes over school conditions that have shut more than 500 schools. An inquiry by the police watchdog will investigate the circumstances.
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.
