The French government has paused the use of stun grenades in policing student protests.

The move came after a 15-year-old boy's hand was blown off in a clash with riot police in Lens on 5 October.

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said there was a strong possibility that a stun grenade caused the injury.

He ordered the suspension until light has been shed on what happened.

The weapon was a new-generation EF-SON grenade made by French firm Alsetex. It has been in use by French police for only a year, Le Monde reported.

Student protests have run for more than two weeks. Students are protesting poor school buildings, teacher shortages and heavy schedules.

Rights groups have accused the police of using disproportionate force.

More than 500 schools were closed on 7 October. Unions planned another day of marches.

Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu called the unrest the most violent student demonstrations in decades. He also acknowledged the students' legitimate demands.

Eighteen investigations into alleged police misconduct have been sent to the police watchdog.

The Education Minister said 24 high schools were damaged by fire or vandalism. About 30,000 pupils are affected.