Four male middle school students were taken from a Melrose school in handcuffs Tuesday after allegedly touching two female classmates inappropriately.

Police say the four boys, ages 13-14, allegedly touched two female classmates at M.S. 29 while a substitute teacher was supervising the students during gym class just before 1 p.m. According to a sanitation worker who was cleaning a lot behind the school, he witnessed the incident and jumped in to scare the boys away. Police say no clothing was removed during the incident.

Parents were shocked, distraught and deeply concerned about the safety of their children upon picking them up from the school at the end of the day.

Authorities say the four boys were taken into custody, but will not be arrested. Police say the teens will be charged as juveniles for forcibly touching the girls. The alleged victims are scheduled to receive counseling at the school.

The Department of Education says the investigation of the incident is ongoing and that the substitute supervising at the time will not be allowed back in the school. According to school officials, the four boys face suspension.