Teenager loses hand during French school protests, official says

The protests, like this one in Paris, are about overcrowded classrooms, teacher shortages and dilapidated school buildings. ( Reuters: Yves Herman )

A 15-year-old student has lost a hand picking up a police grenade as part of nationwide protests in France over classroom conditions.

The demonstrations have disrupted lessons at hundreds of schools since last week.

A day of larger protests is expected on Tuesday, local time.

Link copied Share Share article A 15-year-old protesting against France's dilapidated and understaffed schools has had his hand blown off in the northern town of Lens, officials say.

A police union source said the teenager appeared to have picked up a sting-ball grenade fired by riot police and that it exploded in his hand.

French students and police have accused each other of violence as protests continue over conditions in education.