15-year-old loses arm in Lens after grenade explosion during student protests

A 15-year-old boy lost his arm after an explosion during clashes between police and demonstrators near a school in the northeastern French city of Lens, as student protests continue across the country.

The incident took place this morning, the prefect of the Pas-de-Calais department, Francois-Xavier Losh, told authorities.

"The student's life is not in danger," he said, adding that the teenager was transferred to hospital very quickly.

A police union representative said the pupil had allegedly picked up a grenade fired by police to disperse demonstrations and that it exploded in his hand.

Witnesses at the scene disputed that account, saying the circumstances of the blast were unclear.

The injury has added to mounting concern over the handling of the nationwide student protests, which have seen clashes between pupils and security forces in several cities.

Photo: Geti)