A 15-year-old boy lost a hand during a confrontation between riot police and student demonstrators near a school in the northeastern city of Lens on Monday morning, according to local officials. The incident occurred as protests over school conditions and staffing continue to disrupt educational institutions across France.

The prefect of Pas-de-Calais, François-Xavier Lauch, confirmed the severity of the injury, stating that the teenager's life was not in danger and he was quickly transported to a nearby hospital. The event unfolded near the Auguste Béhal high school, where a larger than usual group of students had gathered.

Mixed reports have emerged regarding how the injury occurred. An AFP news agency report, citing a police union source, suggested the student may have picked up a sting-ball grenade fired by police, which then exploded. However, a witness quoted by regional newspaper La Voix Du Nord stated that the boy did not pick up or catch a grenade.

Lens Mayor Sylvain Robert acknowledged that the precise circumstances of the incident require clarification. He noted that while he had seen videos of the aftermath, he did not witness the events as they unfolded. An investigation has been launched by the General Inspection of the National Police (IGPN), France's police watchdog, to establish the facts.

According to the prefect, students initiated the confrontation by throwing projectiles such as stones, fireworks, and mortars at police officers present at the scene. In response, a unit of riot police was deployed to maintain order, and it was within this context that the injury occurred.

The ongoing student protests have led to widespread disruption, with around 500 schools experiencing partial or total closures on Monday. Education minister Édouard Geffray reported that at least 190 students have been injured since the protests began. Last week, another student, aged 14, was reportedly injured in the head by a tear gas grenade during separate protests.

In the wake of the incident at Auguste Béhal high school, the institution announced a shift to distance learning to ensure the safety of its students and staff. A support unit has also been established to assist those affected by the events.

The French government has not yet issued a detailed statement on the specific incident in Lens. However, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez has previously commented on student injuries during the protests, underscoring the volatile nature of the demonstrations and the ongoing challenges in managing them.