French towns ban 10-year-old bullfighting prodigy

MARSEILLE, France (Reuters) - Two French towns have banned bullfighting shows featuring a 10-year-old boy who has caused a sensation in Mexico, local authorities said on Saturday.

The part-French part-Mexican boy, known as "Michelito", was scheduled to perform at a ring in Fontvieille in southeastern France on Saturday but the local mayor stopped the show citing security concerns.

Organizers tried to reschedule in the Sonailler ring in the city of Arles but there too the performance was scrapped by district authorities.

Michelito had been due to take part in a becerrada, which involves very young bulls that are not put to death.

According to press reports, Michelito has appeared in numerous bullfights in Mexico.

Michelito's father, who is French, was quoted on French media as saying the boy was disappointed about the bans because he has trained extensively in bullfighting schools, performs under strict safety conditions and loves what he does.

(Reporting by Francois Revilla, writing by Estelle Shirbon, editing by Mary Gabriel)